Local News
Melinda Portales Garcia and Rene Govea Sr Killed in High-Speed Crash on Weber Road and Tripoli Street in Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A devastating collision early Sunday morning claimed the lives of two people, including 50-year-old Melinda Portales Garcia and 46-year-old Rene Govea Sr., in a high-speed wreck on Weber Road and Tripoli Street.
The crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. when a Cadillac Escalade, reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed, struck a BMW and then collided with a utility pole.
The violent impact split the pole in half and scattered debris across the roadway.
Melinda Portales Garcia, who was riding as a passenger in the Escalade, was ejected from the vehicle and fatally injured.
She is remembered as a devoted mother, survived by multiple children who are devastated by the sudden loss.
Family members have asked for prayers and support during this difficult time.
The driver of the BMW, identified as Rene Govea Sr., was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported that bystanders rushed to provide aid, but the severity of the crash left little chance for survival.
Govea, a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan, is remembered as a loving father to several children.
Authorities confirmed that the female driver of the Escalade survived the crash and is now facing potential intoxication manslaughter charges, pending toxicology results.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash as both families mourn the loss of their loved ones.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.